Today was my first day on Byetta. I've felt sort of weak and nauseous, and I've had a headache on and off all day. My doc. told me that nausea was a common side-effect, but has anyone else had problems with weakness and headache?
I read an early post of someone's experience with the cost of Byetta. If I remember correctly, it was around $225 to include around 20 needles. I was wondering if that is a common experience for a months supply and is that without insurance? Or have you found that your insurance will cover it? I don't know if my Endo will consider it, but I'd hate for it to be considered if I already know I won't be able to afford it. Thanks!
I have been on Byetta almost 2 months...5mg but an now on 10mg. No sick twice and a headache twice. So far so good. Forgot...I pay $50 a month and Aetna pays the rest.
Ok the $50 a month sounds a lot better. Hope others are finding similar financial assistance. I did read in a post early in this thread that someone had contacted the drug company to request financial assistance, perhaps a voucher or coupon. I didn't see a follow-up message that it was approved or denied, but it's good to know that you can even approach a company for assistance to purchase their product.
I got to work this morning and didn't have my needles to attach to the pen so needless to say I didn't get my shots this morning. Anyone gone all day and then took the night shot? Did you get sick. I have been starved all day, not sure if it's in my head or my sugar. I'm sure it's high!
I have had some tests lately that don't allow you to eat... so of course I couldn't take my morning shot. I'm on Byetta for PCOS. I still took my evening shot though. Everything seemed fine.
I have not had the extreme weight loss as others. I've really be losing slowly. Sometimes it's frustrating... but the weight isn't going back up and that's more important.
I read an early post of someone's experience with the cost of Byetta. If I remember correctly, it was around $225 to include around 20 needles. I was wondering if that is a common experience for a months supply and is that without insurance? Or have you found that your insurance will cover it? I don't know if my Endo will consider it, but I'd hate for it to be considered if I already know I won't be able to afford it. Thanks!
I only had to pay about $45 for a three months' supply - that was including needles. I have really, really, good insurance, though, so that might not be the norm.
Hey ladies. Thanks for the advice. I had asked about the Byetta (10 x 2 a day) and Metformin (2000mg day) and was told by the doctor to continue using it. My previous doctor mentioned staying on the Met for the first trimester. We didn't get prego the first IVF cycle so it wasn't an issue. I will certainly ask about the Byetta after the transfer.
I am down another 2lbs...woohoo
First scan and E2 was on Monday. Scan looked good and E2 was 200. I felt like that was a low number being CD4 but doc says its right in line. Go back tomorrow and Saturday with hopeful trigger late Sunday night or early Monday.
I have been so achy this week. I'm hoping that means something is happening. I don't remember feeling like this the first cycle.
My Byetta with needles (150 I think) is just under $50/month. My metformin is only $10/month. We have United Healthcare.
I have skipped my evening shots and have had no trouble in the morning but I don't think I've ever skipped my morning. My night shot is the one that makes me sick. Lately IF I get sick it hits a lot quicker than before. Was out to eat with friends the other night and didn't even make it out of the restaurant before it hit me.
I've really be losing slowly. Sometimes it's frustrating... but the weight isn't going back up and that's more important.
Beevain, I agree! I'm presently in the slow lane of weight loss. It's happening though, and like you I am more than ok with a plateau if it means no gain. I am eating way less than I did pre-Byetta, and food isn't on my mind constantly. I am grateful to my dr. for helping me. I was sure Metformin was going to be the end of me (over time I grew intolerant to it, and Cottonelle Co. grew rich) and Byetta was something she suggested for my insulin resistance.
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Based on the recent posts with a reasonable ($50 or less) cost per month, I think the earlier post of over $200 per month is Byetta without insurance. I am still interested in discussing this with my doctors. I have an appointment with my Endo Friday and GYN in December. I have recently began experiencing some problems with my stomach--digestion that sounds much like the results most have on Byetta. I can only eat small amounts and eat only once or twice a day since July. These problems prompted me to do some research on PCOS and I stumbled onto this site. I have also found that there is a name for some of the symptoms I'm experiencing...it's gastroparesis. I don't know if indeed I have gatroparesis, but I fit so many of the most common symptoms. I'm doubting my Endo will consider discussing Byetta or anything else until we get to an understanding on my stomach issues. I don't know about my GYN, as I've recently heard she is very aggressive about weight control and unapologetically had made a couple of expectant mothers cry about their weight gain. I also was told she does not favor medical weight loss. I haven't had any problems with her and have found her to be pleasant..guess I'll find out more when I bring up the subject of Byetta. I was wondering, for you ladies on Byetta, which doctor prescribes and monitors your progress? And has anyone gone beyond 3 years with continued success? I'm still so new to this PCOS thing and wonder now when in a crowd how many of the women in the room have PCOS and how many know. I see women with facial hair or a rounded middle section and wonder. Am I the only one??
Beevain, I agree! I'm presently in the slow lane of weight loss. It's happening though, and like you I am more than ok with a plateau if it means no gain. I am eating way less than I did pre-Byetta, and food isn't on my mind constantly. I am grateful to my dr. for helping me. I was sure Metformin was going to be the end of me (over time I grew intolerant to it, and Cottonelle Co. grew rich) and Byetta was something she suggested for my insulin resistance.
I found that the metformin upsets my stomach more than the Byetta. I have skipped some metformin pills (especially if I'm going out) because of my stomach doign flip flops.
As far as costs, my insurance does cover it. My endo did not give me a diabetic diagnosis but they still covered the cost. Because there's not a generic, my insurance charges $75 for 3 month supply.
I've recently run into a gallbladder problem and had severe pains one day. I attributed it to the very cheesy pizza i ate. After a few tests, my gallbladder seems to be functioning properly. I asked about Byetta contributing to it, but my family doctor did not seem concerned and did not advise me to stop the Byetta. I'm hoping it was just a freak incident... because the Byetta is the only thing that has helped with weight losss. Even walking and exercise wasn't doing anything.
I have noticed hair loss again though. I'm hoping that's just stress. Seems like once you get one symptom under control, something else goes wrong. Just the way it goes with PCOS.
Thanks to all for sharing costs and such information. I think that's what makes this a great site. I have questions still about how Byetta works...if this isn't too personal has anyone found that they are bloated or constipated? I was thinking if the meds slow down digestion, does it only work for the food while in the stomach or does it continue to work and slow down the entire process.
I have my appointment with my endo tomorrow and am hoping we can talk about some meds. But realistically, I need to resolve what is going on with my stomach. I've taken note of much of what you all have shared and it's so very helpful.
I meant to mention that I had gallbladder surgery in July 2008. After going out to eat, particularly to Olive Garden, I'd have a horrible pain in my side. I dealt with it for over a year or so time frame...but it was only after having a high fat/oil meal. I was beginning to believe I was allergic to something at Olive Garden. I hope your gallbladder has settled and it was a combo of unusual things. But if you should have to have surgery, it's not too difficult to recover from. It could be done as a day surgery and you could have only two or three small surgical sites. I have found that my middle has really rounded since then. But at the end of 2008 I got PCOS Dx...which can also explain the weight gain around the middle. My GYN then told me to really watch my diet and excercise because of the PCOS, gallbladder issue and hypothyroidism--I am at an increased risk for other issues. So if the cheesy pizza bothered you, note your response the next time you have it. Hope all is well.
